Specific issues I focus on include environmental (or green) gentrification, community engagement, social & health impacts, and climate change adaptation. Part II of this Essay seeks to understand urban environmental justice in the context of this nexus. Cities are also where the poor and people of color tend to be disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, such as air pollution, lead in paint and water, and polluting industries. In the end, the aim of encouraging environmental justice is comingled with the goal of ethical planning practice. Environmental experts from economic, sociological, and community-centric disciplines discussed the future of environmental justice research at a recent virtual event cohosted by Resources for the Future with the Urban Institute. Climate Justice Alliance: An organization of 70-plus urban and rural frontline communities focused on social, racial, economic and environmental justice issues around climate change. Environmental justice means ensuring that the environment and human health are protected fairly for all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. I critically analyze urban park and green space development processes, financing, management, and outcomes using an environmental justice lens. EJ is a priority for EPA Region 2. In closing, environmental justice is a forward-thinking, sustainable approach. It starts with community engagement and community clean-up, and it carries through to community recovery and redevelopment. The Region 2 EJ Program works to integrate the consideration of environmental justice into all of our Regional programs, functions and activities in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. EPA Region 2: Serving New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 8 tribal nations. In addition, community-based organizations, often aided by environmental groups, are refocusing urban brownfield remediation projects on urban green space to address public health and environmental justice concerns (Barnett, 2001). Environmental justice efforts help to ensure that minority and low-income populations have equal opportunities and are not disproportionately affected by environmental programs and policies. Former Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization at the EPA and current Senior Vice President of Climate, Environmental Justice, and Community Revitalization for the Hip Hop Caucus in Washington D.C. (photo source) Mustafa Ali joined the Hip Hop Caucus, after working 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This paper offers research frameworks for understanding and acting to address urban environmental justice. Urban neighborhoods tend to concentrate and colocate vulnerable people and toxic environments. Keynote Speaker: Mustafa Ali. Environmental Justice and the Urban Waters Federal Partnership . April 5, 2021 — Environmental justice is the idea that all people, regardless of race, religion, national origin, or economic station, deserve fair treatment with regards to environmental laws and policy. “Urban heat, in terms of natural climate disasters, is the number one killer in this country. Part IV highlights some specific urban environmental problems that affect communities of … It’s not tornadoes, it’s not floods, it’s urban heat,” Harrington said. The fellowship’s mission for 2019 was environmental justice, and Harrington and his team of 24 other fellows focused on the urban heat island effect in New York City. Keynote Speaker. Part III describes the backdrop against which urban environmental justice movements must struggle. 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